It is important that you see a doctor if your back hurts. There are many options for back pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can provide some relief. Another option is physical therapy. It can help strengthen the muscles supporting your spine and improve your flexibility. It can also prevent future injuries. Massage therapy can also aid in restoring function.
While many common types of back pain can be treated with nonsurgical treatments, some conditions require surgery. Surgical treatment is typically necessary if your back pain is caused by a serious condition, such as spinal stenosis or tumors in the spinal canal. For most cases, however, nonsurgical treatment is sufficient.
A physical exam is a good way to determine the cause of the back pain. A possible infection in your back could be causing your pain and accompanying fever and chills. Spinal infections are more common in people who have recently had skin infections, IV drug users, or those who have undergone dialysis. Infections of your spine can be caused by bacteria. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should visit a doctor immediately.
The most common causes of back pain are injuries to the muscles, discs, or joints of the spine. These injuries may be minor or can result from an accident or impact in sports. Your doctor will ultimately diagnose the cause of your pain using a series of tests. The doctor will then recommend the best treatment plan for you.
Most people experience moderate to severe back pain. However, it is common for mild or moderate back pain to become chronic and debilitating. Back pain can be classified as acute, subacute or chronic by most doctors. The first, or acute, category lasts for just a few days. The second, subacute, lasts for a week or so and can range in severity from mild to severe.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce your risk of developing back pain. You should avoid sitting for extended periods of time. Make sure you have a pillow or a rolled up towel for your back while you are seated. If you are sitting for long periods of time, you can elevate your feet by using a stool or stacks of books. Also, sleeping on your side can help open the joints in your spine and reduce its curvature.
Pain that occurs in your lower back may be indicative of an infection or an underlying medical problem. Treatment options vary greatly depending on the cause of the pain. It is important to quickly diagnose the problem in order to determine the best treatment. Medical attention should be sought if the pain is accompanied with fever, loss in leg strength, or difficulty urinating.
Your doctor may perform surgery to relieve the pain if the disc is the cause. You can choose to have your neurosurgeon perform a more complicated decompression procedure or use minimally invasive techniques. These procedures may involve the joining of vertebrae, bone grafts, or instrumentation. You may need physical therapy after surgery to help your body heal.
Pain medication is another option for back pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce pain and relax tight muscles. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), which are nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, reduce inflammation without side effects like cortisone. If you have a slipped disc, your doctor may recommend taking an MRI to diagnose the exact location of the disc.
The first symptom of AS is inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, which connect your spine to your pelvis. This inflammation can cause pain in the lower back. In severe cases, prolonged sleep can make the symptoms worse. AS symptoms improve with activity. AS can be treated in most cases.
Aside from spinal manipulation, doctors may also recommend acupuncture. These treatments target the trigger points that cause back pain. In some cases, acupuncture may trigger endorphin release. These treatments do not provide long-term relief and are not recommended. Many people who use them report significant relief from back pain.